Seeing Red (The Dark Love Series)

by Olivia Howe

  “Ora was a mistake. She came into my room in her bra and panties. She kept trying to kiss me. I told her to get away from me. She wouldn't listen, Nina. She is a conniving bitch,” Andrew shouts back.

  “Is that it?” I ask calmly, as I still hold the tears in my eyes.

  “I don't want anyone else, Nina. I only want you. That was a mistake to let her in this house, and it will never happen again,” Andrew cries.

  What do I do when the person I love is standing in front of me, crying for me?

  My tears try to break loose. “After everything I have been through, how could you do this to me, Andrew?” I yell.

  “Nina, what don't you understand? I didn't do anything! She's the one that tried to seduce me, and it didn't work,” Andrew shouts at me.

  “You sure the hell looked like you were enjoying it!” I shout back out of anger. I don't believe the words that slip out of my mouth. It was a mistake.

  Andrew begins to breathe deeply and shake his head. He licks his lips and takes a deep breath. “Can I show you something?” Andrew asks.

  “No,” I say immediately. “I have to leave. I can't stay here.”

  “Please.” Andrew walks closer. “Give me three minutes of your time, and then you can leave. That's all I ask for.”

  “Fine,” I say. I just can't help myself. “Three minutes!”

  Andrew runs out of the room, and is back in an instant. He has a guitar. He walks into the living room, and I follow him. He sits in a chair and faces the unlit fireplace.

  “This song makes me think of you.” His hands start gliding over the guitar, and a familiar song starts playing. It's “Only You” by Tesla.

  “In a world far from perfect,” Andrew sings. I fight my tears from falling out of my eyes. I can't let him see me cry.

  He keeps singing and it's getting harder and harder to fight the urge to start bawling my eyes out. This song is so emotional. It's so strong and deep. The singer talks about loving and wanting only one girl.

  Andrew continues to sing the emotional song by Tesla, about wanting me and no one else.

  I start crying. The tears start flooding out of my eyes, and they're uncontrollable. How can I resist him? It feels impossible right now. Andrew looks so irresistible with the guitar in his hands, and his beautiful voice.

  The song ends, and I am a complete mess. He really does love me. He wouldn't do something so awful to me. He would never. He could never.

  Andrew looks down at the ground. “I don't want anybody else, Nina. I love you. I love you with all that I am.”

  I continue to cry. “I know, Andrew. I know.”

  In an instant, he is right by my side. I look up into his dark eyes and see passion and love filling them.

  Andrew grabs my waist. His forehead touches mine. He's my one and only.

  He bites his bottom lip and I smile. I want to feel his body on mine. I want to connect to him. I want to feel him inside of me. I want to make love to him.

  His hands find my face and he slams his lips into mine. Passion fills the air. Love fills my body. I feel a tingling sensation on my lips.

  Andrew grabs me and runs to his room. In a second, I'm laying on his black, silk sheets, with his body caressing mine.

  I rip his shirt up and over his body. My hands travel around on his back, gliding against his delicate skin.

  Andrew picks me up, and gently slides off my shirt, and throws it on the floor. He unclips my bra and adds it to the pile.

  My hands make their way down to the button on his jeans. I start tugging for it to come loose. Finally, the button gives in! Andrew slides his pants off, and then moves to mine.

  I'm laying on his bed, staring at him standing there naked. His body is incredibly sexy.

  He take my pants off and literally rips my panties off. I didn't like those ones anyway.

  He smiles at me as he starts crawling on top of body. I feel his naked body against mine. It feels right. My body starts to shiver with goosebumps. Andrew doesn't realize the way he makes me feel inside.

  His lips find mine and slam up against me. Oh. My. God. This man is too sexy. He's making my toes curl and my body tingle.

  “I want you, Andrew. I want you so bad,” I whisper in his ear.

  At that instant, I feel him inside me. We start to make passionate love to each other.

  * * * *

  I lay my naked body against his. The silky sheets feel cold against my skin. I like cuddling up in his strong arms and laying on his chest. He makes me feel whole. It feels so perfect. His skin touching mine makes a cold sensation fill my body. I feel his finger make circles on my arm.

  “That was amazing,” he gasps.

  I giggle. “I know. You make me feel amazing.”

  “It's because I am truly making love to you,” he admits. “I want you to feel like it's not just sex, it's more than that. It's two people making love to each other.”

  I smile. He knows the perfect things to say at all the right moments. “You make me blush.”

  “I see your face glowing. You're perfect in every single way, my love.”

  “I think we're perfect together, lovey.”

  Chapter 13

  He's Back

  Dear Diary,

  Depression. It either hurts, or it hurts enough to cope with. It feels like a constant struggle, but I'm learning how to deal with it slowly, as the days pass. With depression, all you can do is hold on and be strong.

  Today, depression isn't a thought in my mind. It has floated away into the air and I'm hoping it doesn't return.

  Andrew and I had the most amazing time together last night. We made love. It wasn't sex, it was love making. He made me feel different, better. It's like he took the pain away and threw all of it into the open wind.

  Love, Nina

  * * * *

  Today is the day I have to go back to school after the long and crazy weekend I experienced. I'm really hoping no one remembers me being at that party and making a huge fool out of myself. I was completely intoxicated, and not myself at all.

  I don't understand why people enjoy getting wasted. You either end up in the toilet, or have the biggest hangover in the morning, sometimes both. I guess it's addicting and fun to some people, but not to me. I will never do that again. That was humiliating and sickening, literally.

  I drag myself out of bed and throw on some clothes. I continue with my normal morning routine.

  I go downstairs to find Ali cooking breakfast. I inhale the delicious smelling food and smile. She always cooks me pancakes. I could live off of blueberry pancakes.

  “You look happy this morning,” my mom notices.

  “I'm just hoping today will be a good day,” I continue smiling. “How are you doing?”

  “I'm good. I have been working on a new painting. It's suppose to potray a wildlife theme. I'm just not sure which animals I want to include in the painting. Any ideas?” Ali asks as she hands me a plate of food.

  “Hmm,” I mumble. “What about a lion protecting her cub?”

  “Good idea, baby. I like the way you think,” Ali giggles. “I'm excited to start painting. I have the best idea!” Ali walks over to me and kisses me on my cheek. “I have to get started right away. Have a wonderful day a school, honey!”

  “Thanks,” I laugh. “I'll have a blast in school,” I joke.

  * * * *

  I pull into the parking lot at school. I'm nervous to walk through those hallways. People are probably going to remember how much of a sloppy mess I was last weekend. Someone is bound to say something. I'm hoping that everyone was as drunk as I was at Kali's party. If so, they won't remember a damn thing.

  I take a deep breath and decide to spend the next few minutes thinking. I shouldn't have shown up to school so early.

  I can't wait to see Andrew. I wonder where he is. I haven't heard from him since last night. He usually waits at the front doors for me to show up.

  I check my rear-view mirror. He's not there. I wonder
where he is, and why he's ditching school today. That's not usual of him. If anything, he would have at least shot me a text explaining everything.

  I just want to see his beautiful face and his dark eyes. I want to walk through the hallways with his hand connected to mine. I want to feel his body against mine. I miss him already.

  The first bell rings and brings me back to reality. Uh oh, I'm going to be late for class if I don't get my ass up now. Maybe I'll see him at lunch time. I know I'm already looking forward to it. My stomach is already starting to growl at the thought of those delicious salads that the school has.

  I hear my phone ring. Someone texted me. I check my touch screen phone and Andrew's name pops up. That gives me butterflies. I love reading his name on my phone.

  I'm not going to school. Sorry. I will make sure I am there to have lunch with you. I love you, my forever.

  He's so sweet. I wonder why he's missing the first half of school. At least I will get to stare into his stunning, dark eyes later.

  * * * *

  I walk into the lunchroom, and Andrew is nowhere to be found. He told me that he would meet me for lunch, but I have no idea where he is. I decide to get in line and buy a salad. I'm starving.

  After I pay for my salad, I find a seat at an empty table.

  My eyes scan the cafeteria, searching for Andrew. Something must be wrong. Where the hell is he?

  “What are you looking at?” A familiar voice says.

  I turn my head fast and see the face that I thought I would never see again. It's William. I'm not sure if I want to ring his neck in front of everyone, or start yelling. I stare at him with an evil glare. “What the hell, William?”

  “Listen to me very carefully,” William begins to say.

  “No, you listen to me. How could you...” I try to speak, but William interrupts me.

  “Nina, this is very important. Now, stay calm, we don't have much time,” William begins to speak in his normal voice. “The Brothers are up to something big. Caroline and I are trying to figure it out. They brought in a new vampire named John Michael. He is a deadly weapon. When you want something done, you send him, because he gets it done. Remember that name. Lilah will know exactly who he is, and she will explain more,” William stops talking as a student walks by us. “Whatever you do, do not mention that you talked to me. It is extremely important that they don't know I am here. The Brothers are following you, and the others, everywhere you go. They hear every conversation you have. They know everything you are trying to plan.”

  “Are you sure they know our plans?” I ask.

  “They know about the Anderson witches. They know that Alex brought Ora here for help. Believe me, they know what you are up to. Speak as if they are listening to every word you say. Caroline and I are following their every move. You need to remember not to mention my name out loud, because we will have no leverage against the Brothers. I have to spy on them, because this is our only way to defeat them.”

  “Aren't they watching us now? Can they hear us right now?” I ask, as I start to get nervous.

  “They aren't tracking you right now. If they were, it would be impossible for them to hear our conversation, because there are way too many voices talking at the same time.”

  “What is that awful smell?” I gag.

  “It's cologne. It covers up my scent.”

  My mind is racing. Am I dreaming? Is William really sitting in front of me? Is he really acting this calm with all of the things that are going on?

  “How is Caroline? Why did you two run away?” I ask with tears in my eyes at the mention of her name.

  “We didn't run away. We had to say that to protect you. She misses you very much, Nina,” William says calmly.

  The bell rings and everyone starts to to leave the cafeteria. “Nina, get up calmly, and go to class. Act like this conversation never happened.”

  “William,” I speak. “Please don't leave.”

  “I have to go, but I will see you again very soon!”

  I sit at the table and watch as William calmly walks out of the cafeteria with the rest of the students. What on earth just happened?

  * * * *

  The last bell rings and I jump up and start walking fast. Where the hell has Andrew been? I have something important to discuss with him, and he decided not to stay in school today.

  I'm walking way too fast. I need to blend in. I slow down and try to act normal. Normal, that's a word that shouldn't be in my vocabulary.

  I go outside and the bright sun hits my eyes. I'm blinded for a moment before I can focus. There, that's better.

  I start walking to my car and try to forget about my conversation with William.

  “My love!” Andrew yells from a distance.

  I turn around and see him waving at me with a smile on his face. I continue to walk to my car and unlock my door.

  “What's wrong?” Andrew asks.

  “Where the hell have you been? You told me you would meet me for lunch today, and you didn't show!” I shout with anger.

  “Calm down, Nina. I was spending time with my sister. She is having a tough day. What's your problem?”

  I begin to frantically bite my finger nails. I can't tell him about William, because the Brothers are definitely listening to us from a distance. I have to act normal. “Sorry, love. Everything's fine. I just had a stressful day with Kali and tests.”

  “Let me drive, then,” he demands, as he walks over to me, reaching his hand out for my keys. I give them to him and he gently kisses my lips. Oh, don't I love his soft kisses.

  I continue to frantically bite my fingernails in the car. I'm so nervous. How the hell am I suppose to tell him about William when I can't mention his name? As the thoughts run through my head, I come up with an idea.

  I grab a notebook, and flip to an empty page. I start writing a note to Andrew about what happened at lunch today.

  Act normal. The Sulivic Brothers are listening to our every word. William showed up at school today. He told me that he and Caroline didn't really run away, they left so they could watch the Brothers, and see what they're up to. I guess the Brothers know every move we make. They're always watching us, following us, and listening to us everywhere we go. They know about the witches, and Ora. William said that they brought John Michael into their revenge plan. He said Lilah would know who he is. The most important thing he said was the Brothers cannot know that he is watching them. He told me to act like that conversation never happened. The last thing he said was he would see me very soon.

  We slow to a stop at a red light. I swallow and take a deep breath. “Andrew, could you read over my essay really quick? I want to make sure it's perfect.”

  “Right now? Can it wait?” He asks.

  “It's not that long. Stop being a baby and read it,” I laugh.

  Andrew shakes his head as he grabs the notebook from my hand. He begins to read, and I see his facial expression change. I know he's in shock. I was more angry when I saw William's face.

  “Andrew, the light's green, love,” I laugh to him as if everything is normal.

  He doesn't move. He doesn't flinch at my words. He's speechless. “Andrew,” I fake laugh some more.

  He clears his throat and hands me the notebook. “Sorry, love. That essay was,” Andrew pauses, “unexpected. I loved it though. Maybe we should bring it to Lilah. She is smart when it comes to the 1900's.”

  “That's a great idea. I really need a good grade on this stupid essay. It frustrates me,” I giggle and watch as Andrew drives in the direction of his house.

  Chapter 14

  Warning The Witches

  Dear Diary,

  We haven't been able to find Lilah. I guess she's been across the world with her parents. I'm getting antsy not being able to tell her that William and Caroline are in town, and the information they found out.

  I feel scared. I'm scared that someone is going to lose their life trying to protect me. Why am I not able to protect myself? I hate se
eing the people I care about put their lives on the line for me. It's not fair to them.

  I also feel scared because the Brothers are getting stronger and joining forces with some unknown guy named John Michael.

  I know that being a healer is something to be proud of, but why do I feel like it's a curse? I'm supposed to be helping people and giving them another chance at life. Instead, people are either suffering or dying around me.

  Love, Nina

  * * * *

  I keep pacing around the living room at Andrew's house. Lilah is suppose to return today, and I can't be patient. My legs are moving without me even thinking about it. Everytime I walk by the fireplace, I feel warmth hit my legs. Is it really necessary to have this fire going all of the time?

  “Andrew, why do you always have this fire going?” I ask him, as he sits on the couch reading poems by Charles Bukowski.

  He looks up from the book. “I just like to have the fire going. It's comforting.”

  “It's like a million degrees in here,” I say as I wipe the droplets of sweat off of my forehead.

  “I think it's just you, my love. You're nervous and pacing. Why don't you sit down and relax?” Andrew gestures that I sit next to him.

  I sigh and continue to pace. “I can't.”

  “My love, come here please,” Andrew demands nicely.

  I walk over and stand in front of him. “Yes?”

  He stands up and presses his lips against mine. My stomach starts to knot and my body begins to tremble. My stomach fills with butterflies and my knees begin to shake. Does he know what he does to me?

  As we're standing here passionately kissing, the door opens and I hear someone let themselves in.

  It must be Lilah. I hope it's Lilah.

  My lips leave Andrew's and I watch for the unknown vistor to walk through the house.

  Lilah appears in the doorway. "I'm back, did you miss me?" She laughs and runs over to hug me.

  “I've been waiting for you. I have some..." I begin to say before Andrew cuts me off.

  “She wants you to look over her history essay,” Andrew says quickly. Luckily he cut me off in mid-sentence, or I would have blurted out our secret.